Internet addiction should be treated as a clinical disorder, scientists say

Internet addicts may be in need of professional treatment, expert says. Kevin Fray/Getty

Internet addiction that triggers deviant behaviour on social networking sites should be recognised as a clinical disorder needing treatment, an expert says.

Sufferers are currently not being treated, causing increased mental strain that can manifest itself in problematic online behaviours. This includes sharing sensitive personal details online or online sexual involvement with strangers.

Dr Rahamathulla's research into general strain theory, where negative experiences in life can result in problem behaviours and deviance, finds a very high likelihood that internet addiction sufferers will vent their frustrations online.

This can be expressed in an anonymous way through social networking sites, creating social and psychological problems for other internet users and the wider community, and lead to possible crimes.

"Our research argues that individuals with internet addiction may feel victimised and so will feel compelled to engage in a range of deviant behaviours in SNS (social networking sites) to vent their emotional strains," says Dr Rahamathulla.

Adult respondents in Dr Rahamathulla's study also reported that their online sexual correspondence are adversely affecting their real-life relationships.

While monitoring and blocking deviant behaviour is possible on such social networking sites as Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Twitter, antisocial activity can go unhindered on private mobile messaging applications such as Facebook Messaging, WhatsApp and Google Play.

Dr Rahamathulla is calling for more research into intervention therapies, and for recognition of this deviant behaviour as a clinical disorder.

"There is no reliable data available to deeply analyse the nature of internet addiction and its link with deviant and problem behaviours, particularly when its use is so entwined with day-to-day work and social life," he says.

"Classic internet addictive symptoms, similar to drug and alcohol addiction, include mood modification, preoccupation with an increased use of internet over time, possible withdrawal symptoms, conflict and relapse if internet use is restricted."

Dr Rahamathulla's research article, General strain theory of Internet addiction and its association with deviant behaviours in social networking sites, has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society.